China is demanding the release of a Huawei executive who was arrestedin Canada.
Canadian law enforcement detained Huawei Technologies' chief financial officer, Meng Wanhzou, in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Dec. 1. Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, is facing extradition charges to the United States over accusations that she violated Iran sanctions.
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The Chinese embassy in Canada has also released a strongly worded statement.
“At the request of the U.S. side, the Canadian side arrested a Chinese citizen not violating any American or Canadian law. The Chinese side firmly opposes and strongly protests over such kind of actions, which seriously harmed the human rights of the victim. The Chinese side has lodged stern representations with the U.S. and Canadian side, and urged them to immediately correct the wrongdoing and restore the personal freedom of Ms. Meng Wanzhou. We will closely follow the development of the issue and take all measures to resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens.
Huawei’s relationship with the United States has long been rocky.
At the beginning of the year, the company’s planned entrance into the U.S. phone market was derailed. Wireless carriers such as AT&Tand Verizoncancelled plans to sell Huawei phones due to pressure fromU.S. government. Intelligence officials labeled the company as a national security threat, fearing its smartphones could be used by the Chinese government to spy on the U.S. Just this past August, Donald Trump signed a billbanning U.S. government agencies from buying smartphones and other products from the Chinese electronics manufacturer.
Huawei CFO Meng’s bail hearing is currently scheduled for Friday, Dec. 7.
